x
Breaking News
More () »

With Charlotte booming, should city council add a seat?

On Flashpoint, a former city councilwoman makes the case for expanding Charlotte's City Council.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As Charlotte City Council considers new district boundaries lines, a familiar voice in city politics says leaders should add a council seat.

"The city has grown enough to where it could accommodate 8 districts at this point," former city councilmember Lawana Mayfield said.

Currently, Council has seven districts plus four at-large seats.

Click here to sign up for the daily Wake Up Charlotte newsletter    

"An eighth district could possibly help create more input from the community at large." 

Mayfield, a Democrat, said Council should be politically representative of the city's voters. She is currently running for an at-large council seat.  

"We have a growing number of unaffiliated voters in our community that doesn't necessarily feel like they're being represented," Mayfield explained.

Mayfield isn't alone in her push. Current at-large council member Braxton Winston has been vocal in supporting an eighth district seat.  

"Why not add an 8th district while keeping four at-large, therefore providing maximum representation allowed by law," Winston asked in a tweet on Sept. 9.

Such a change looks unlikely. This week, a council committee released three redistricting proposals, all including the current seven seats.

SEE THE FULL INTERVIEW ON FLASHPOINT ON WCNC CHARLOTTE, THIS SUNDAY AT 11 A.M.

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBEApple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.

Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.


Before You Leave, Check This Out